A Thank You to RHA

Korrin B.

March 13, 2011 - 5:45 PM

This is my second year helping secure in-kind donations for an annual event held in Eugene called Project Homeless Connect (PHC). PHC is a one-day event held at the Lane County Fairgrounds that brings critical services to homeless residents in our community. It provides everything form pet care and bike repair to dental and medical services. It is truly one of the most inspiring events I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. It is amazing to see over 300 service providers and over 500 community volunteers under one roof, helping over 1,400 homeless individuals and families. It gives me goosebumps to see this type of selfless giving in our community.

The event relies heavily on in-kind donations from community members. These donations include items such as sleeping bags, tents, jackets, socks, hats, scarves, and toiletries. These items are handed out to homeless guests at the event and are incredibly important to the people who show up. This year has been particularly difficult in obtaining these needed in-kind donations.

I was very happy this year to be able to coordinate with the UO Residence Hall Association (RHA) to obtain some of these donations. RHA set up donation bins in the two main lobby areas in the residence halls. They had volunteers table the donation bins and were able to draw in support from UO students this way. I am very appreciative for their interest and support of this important community event. I think it is so wonderful when the University can reach out beyond the campus bubble and help the Eugene community at large.

PHC this year will be happening on March 17. If you would like to donate any of the above-mentioned items, they can be dropped off at any St. Vincent de Paul location. You just have to make sure to specify them for PHC. Donations can also be dropped off during the afternoon on March 16 at the Lane County Fairgrounds. Monetary donations and volunteer opportunities can be found on the PHC website: http://homelessconnect.org

I'd like to thank RHA again for organizing their donation drive and encourage everyone in the Lane County community to get involved in this important event in any way that they can.